InsectMotion - A Python-based tool for quantification of neuropeptide-induced organ contractions in arthropods

Area of Science:

• * Neurobiology and Physiology
• * Bioengineering and Computational Biology

Background:

• * Analyzing arthropod movement and muscle contractions is crucial for understanding physiology and neurobiology.
• * Existing methods often require specialized equipment, reagents, or expensive software, limiting accessibility.
• * There is a need for simple, automated, and cost-effective tools for motion analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To introduce InsectMotion, a novel Python-based tool for semi-quantitative motion assessment in arthropods.
• * To demonstrate the tool's ability to analyze video recordings of movements and muscle contractions.
• * To validate InsectMotion's reliability and accessibility for various experimental setups.

Main Methods:

• * Development of a Python-based software tool, InsectMotion, for video analysis.
• * Implementation of
• pixel activity
• analysis, measuring changes in pixel intensity or color within regions of interest.
• * Two analysis modes: Graphical Analysis (time-resolved plots, peak analysis) and Pixel Activity Analysis (binary images, summary metrics).

Main Results:

• * InsectMotion successfully quantified neuropeptide-induced muscle contractions in *Bombyx mori* tissues.
• * Preliminary movement analyses were conducted on *Ixodes ricinus*, showing tool applicability beyond lepidopteran models.
• * The tool demonstrated reliability and accessibility in both *in vitro* and *in vivo* applications.

Conclusions:

• * InsectMotion provides a simple, fast, and automated approach for semi-quantitative motion assessment.
• * The tool is cost-effective and does not require specialized equipment or software.
• * InsectMotion is a versatile and reliable resource for neurobiological and physiological research involving arthropod movement analysis.